Ballistic shield device

ABSTRACT

The present application discloses a lightweight ballistic shield device comprising a composite material that meets or exceeds National Institute of Justice (NIJ) III-A ballistic protection standards and provides ballistic protection at point blank range. In certain embodiments, the ballistic shield device comprises a composite material having multiple layers of a fabric material laminated together with an adhesive disposed between each layer of the fabric material. A thermoplastic film is laminated to the top and bottom surfaces of the composite material. The ballistic shield device may be formed in a variety of ways. For example, the ballistic shield device may be formed as a ballistic clipboard.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. Non-Provisional patent application whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/562,759,filed on Nov. 22, 2011 and titled “Ballistic Shield Device,” which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

A potentially dangerous situation for law enforcement officers is whenthey approach a vehicle in the process of interrogating a driversuspected of a routine traffic violation. There are a number of caseswhere the occupant of the vehicle shoots a firearm at the officer,striking him or her in the face or chest. Shields exist that an officermay use to help protect against such an attack. However, these shieldsare often not practical for an officer to use because they are too heavyand do not provide the protection required by law enforcement personnel.

SUMMARY

The present application discloses a lightweight ballistic shield devicecomprising a composite material that meets or exceeds National Instituteof Justice (NIJ) III-A ballistic protection standards and providesballistic protection at point blank range. In certain embodiments, theballistic shield device comprises a composite material having multiplelayers of a fabric material laminated together with an adhesive disposedbetween each layer of the fabric material. A first thermoplastic film islaminated to a top surface of the composite material and a secondthermoplastic film is laminated to a bottom surface of the compositematerial.

The ballistic shield device of the present application may be formed ina variety of ways. For example, the ballistic shield device may beformed as a ballistic clipboard. In certain embodiments, the ballisticclipboard comprises a composite material, an edge trim attached to theperiphery of the composite material, and a clip attached to a topsurface of the composite material. The composite material comprisesmultiple layers of a fabric material laminated together with an adhesivedisposed between each layer of the fabric material. A firstthermoplastic film is laminated to the top surface of the compositematerial and a second thermoplastic film is laminated to the bottomsurface of the composite material. The edge trim extends between the topand bottom surfaces of the composite material.

These and additional embodiments will become apparent in the course ofthe following detailed description. The descriptions of the embodimentsbelow are not intended to and do not limit the scope of the words of theclaims in any way. The words of the claims have all of their full,ordinary meanings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross sectional side view of a composite materialaccording to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional side view of a composite materialaccording to an embodiment of the present application.

FIGS. 3A-3G illustrate perspective, left, right, rear, front, top, andbottom views, respectively, of a shield device formed as a clipboardaccording to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of a shield device formed as aclipboard according to an embodiment of the present application.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present application discloses a lightweight shield device configuredto protect a user from a pistol shot or shot from another firearm. Theshield device is made of a composite material that provides ballisticprotection to the user from a wide range of threats and situations. Asdiscussed below, the shield device meets or exceeds National Instituteof Justice (NIJ) III-A ballistic protection standards and providesballistic protection at point blank range.

FIG. 1 illustrates a composite material 100 of a shield device accordingto an embodiment of the present application. As shown, the compositematerial 100 comprises a core having multiple layers of fabric material102 laminated together with adhesive 108 to provide desiredbullet-resistant properties. The composite material 100 is sealed on thetop and bottom with one or more layers of thermoplastic film 104. Incertain embodiments, the composite material 100 is between about ¼ inchand about ½ inch thick and has an areal density between about 1.1 psfand about 1.5 psf.

The fabric material 102 may be a variety of woven or non-woven fabrics,such as, for example, woven or non-woven aramid, fiberglass, innegra, orpolystrand fabrics. In certain embodiments, the fabric material 102 is awoven aramid fabric. One example of a fabric material that may be usedis Kevlar 29 style 745 fabric having a denier of 3000, plain weave, and17×17 thread count. In one embodiment, this fabric is about 24 mils(0.61 mm) thick and has a breaking strength of about 1600 lbf/in (lengthdirection) and about 1800 lbf/in (width direction). Further, the fabricmaterial 102 may be selected based on the specific strength andstiffness characteristics of the material.

The adhesive 108 of the composite material 100 bonds the layers of thefabric material 102 together and also bonds the fibers of the fabricmaterial together. The adhesive 108 may be a variety of thermoplasticand/or thermoset adhesive agents, such as, for example, polyethylene,polypropylene, or polyurethane based adhesives. In certain embodiments,the adhesive 108 is a thermoplastic film that is polyurethane based. Oneexample of an adhesive that may be used is Nolax (Collano Adhesives)S22.2031 having a density of about 100 grams/m².

The composite material 100 may be configured or arranged in a variety ofways such that the shield device meets a specific threat, compliance, oraesthetic. For example, the fibers of the fabric material 102 may beorientated at different angles within a particular layer and/or asbetween different layers of the composite material 100. In certainembodiments, two or more fibers of the fabric material 102 may beorientated at different angles relative to a longitudinal axis of thefabric material, e.g., at 0, 45, 90, or 135 degrees. Further, thecomposite material 100 may comprise alternating layers of a first fabricmaterial and a second fabric material. The type, fiber orientation,weave, weight, denier, thread count, breaking strength, density and/orother property of the first fabric material may differ from the secondfabric material.

For example, in certain embodiments, the fibers of the first fabricmaterial may be orientated at either a first angle or a second anglerelative to a longitudinal axis of the first fabric material and thefibers of the second fabric material may be orientated at either a thirdangle or a fourth angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the secondfabric material. The first and second angles may be different than thethird and fourth angles. For example, the first and second angles may beabout 0 degrees and about 90 degrees, respectively, and the third andfourth angles may be about 45 degrees and about 135 degrees,respectively. Alternating the first and second fabric materialsthroughout the composite material 100 provides a desired flexibility andrigidity to the shield device in a given direction. For example,alternating the first and second fabric materials may increase thestiffness of a rectangular shaped shield device at or near the cornersof the shield device, especially for larger shield devices.

Further, the composition and/or properties of the layers of fabricmaterial 102 may be tuned such that the shield device meets specificthreat or compliance requirements. For example, the type of fabricmaterial and/or the fiber orientation, weave, weight, denier, threadcount, breaking strength, density and/or other property of the fabricmaterial may be selected such that the shield device meets specificthreat or compliance requirements. Further, the composition and/orproperties of the fabric material 102 may change throughout thecomposite material 100, such as, by alternating layers of fabricmaterial having different compositions or properties, placing a block ofmultiple layers of fabric material having a first composition on top ofa block of multiple layers of fabric material having a secondcomposition that is different than the first composition, etc.

The composition and/or properties of the adhesive 108 may also be tunedsuch that the shield device meets specific threat or compliancerequirements. For example, the type of adhesive and/or the weight,density, film thickness, and/or amount of adhesive may be selected suchthat the shield device meets specific threat or compliance requirements.Further, the composition and/or properties of the adhesive 108 maychange throughout the composite material 100, such as, for example, byalternating layers of adhesive having different compositions and/orproperties between the layers of fabric material 102. Altering thecomposition and/or properties of the adhesive 108 generally changes thebond strength of the adhesive, which in turns affects the rigidity ofthe composite material 100 and inter laminar bond strength between thelayers of the fabric material 102, both of which are related to thestopping ability and deformation characteristics of the shield device.Further, the composition and/or properties of the adhesive 108 may bematched with the fiber construction of the fabric material 102. Byselecting the appropriate combination of fibers and adhesives, such as,for example, by selecting the number of layers and/or the type of fiberor adhesive material, the ballistic properties of the shield device maybe tuned to meet specific requirements.

The one or more layers of thermoplastic film 104 may be laminated to oneor more surfaces of the composite material 100, such as, for example, tothe top surface, bottom surface and/or sides of the composite material.The thermoplastic film 104 may comprise a variety of thermoplasticmaterials, such as, for example, polypropylene, polyurethane, orpolyethylene. In certain embodiments, the thermoplastic film 104comprises a layer of polypropylene on the top and bottom surfaces of thecomposite material 100. The polypropylene film may be less than 0.02inch thick or even less than 0.01 inch thick. One example of athermoplastic film that may be used is an 8 mil polypropylene film madeby Crown Films.

The thermoplastic film 104 seals the core of the composite material 100and may be selected to provide an aesthetic, ergonomic, and/orwear-resistant surface of the shield device. For example, thethermoplastic film 104 may provide an appealing and substantially smoothsurface that may be used as a writing surface. Further, thethermoplastic film 104 may provide an exterior coating that protects thecomposite material 100 from UV light, water, moisture, etc. Thethermoplastic film 104 also melts or softens when impacted by a highspeed projectile such as a bullet, which permits the composite material100 to “grab” projectiles that impact the material and prohibits theprojectile from deflecting off the shield device due to the material's“stickiness” caused by the impact.

During lamination of the composite material 100, uniform heat andpressure are used to simultaneously bond the thermoplastic film 104 andlayers of fabric material 102 together in a single consolidation step.As such, this process permits the incorporation of different fabricmaterials, weaves, and thermoplastics in various combinations such thatthe ballistic properties of the shield device may be tuned to meetspecific requirements, such as a specific threat, compliance, oraesthetic. Further, this process permits the shield device to be formedin a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, the shield device may beconfigured in various shield forms, as a protective insert, concealedprotection, or the like.

FIG. 2 illustrates a composite material 200 of a shield device accordingto an embodiment of the present application. As shown, the compositematerial 200 comprises fifteen (15) layers of a woven aramid fabricmaterial 202. One exemplary fabric material is Kevlar 29 style 745fabric having a denier of 3000, plain weave, and 17×17 thread count. Anadhesive 208 is disposed between each layer of the aramid fabricmaterial 202. The adhesive 208 is a thermoplastic film that ispolyurethane based and has a density between about 80 grams/m² and about100 grams/m². One exemplary adhesive is Nolax (Collano Adhesives)S22.2031 having a density of about 100 grams/m². The polyurethane basedadhesive agent bonds the layers of the aramid fabric material 202together and also bonds the fibers of the fabric material together.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the composite material 200 also comprises athermoplastic film 204 laminated to the top and bottom surfaces of thecomposite material. The thermoplastic film 204 is a polypropylene filmthat is less than 0.01 inch thick, or about 0.008 inch thick. Oneexemplary thermoplastic film is an 8 mil polypropylene film made byCrown Films. The polypropylene film provides an appealing andsubstantially smooth surface that may be used as a writing surface forthe shield device. Further, the polypropylene film provides an exteriorcoating that seals and protects the composite material 200 from UVlight, water, moisture, etc. The polypropylene film also melts orsoftens when impacted by a high speed projectile such as a bullet, whichpermits the composite material 200 to “grab” projectiles that impact thematerial and prohibits the projectile from deflecting off the shielddevice.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the composite material 200 is about ⅜ inchthick and has an areal density of about 1.3 psf. During lamination ofthe composite material 200, temperatures between about 265 degrees F.and 300 degrees F. and pressures between about 100 psi and 300 psi arecontrolled to provide the desired performance. As discussed below, thecomposite material 200 meets or exceeds NIJ III-A ballistic protectionstandards and provides ballistic protection at point blank range.

The composite material of the present application may also comprise anoptional edge trim to provide desired tactile features to the shielddevice. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the composite material200 includes an optional edge trim 206. The edge trim may be a varietyof shapes, configurations, thicknesses, and/or durometers. For example,the edge trim may be rounded, squared, smooth, or textured. Further, theedge trim may be secured to the layers of fabric material and/or thethermoplastic film in a variety of ways, such as, for example, with afriction fit, adhesive, or fasteners. Further, the edge trim may be madeof a variety of materials, such as, for example, natural rubber,plastic, or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber.

FIGS. 3A-3H illustrate a shield device formed as a ballistic clipboardor notepad 300 according to an embodiment of the present application.The ballistic clipboard 300 comprises a unitary piece of the compositematerial 200 with the thermoplastic film 204 laminated to the top andbottom surfaces of the composite material as described above. However,any composite material of the present application may used to form theclipboard. As shown, the clipboard 300 is about 12″ by about 13″ in sizeand weighs between about 1.7 and 2.0 lbs, or less than 2.0 lbs.

The clipboard 300 comprises a clip 308. The clip 308 may be a variety ofclips configured to hold a notepad or ticket pad. As shown, the clip 308is a low-profile clip for retaining papers and documents. The clipboard300 may also include an integrated clip for securing an identificationcard or other information. Further, the clipboard 300 comprises edgetrim 306 attached to the periphery of the composite material 200. Theedge trim 306 extends between the top and bottom surfaces of thecomposite material 200.

The clipboard 300 may also include a handle. As illustrated in FIGS. 3A,3F, and 3G, the composite material 200 comprises an opening or cutoutthat forms a handle 302 of the ballistic clipboard 300. The edge trim306 is placed around the opening or cutout to provide comfort to theuser of the clipboard 300. However, the ballistic clipboard 300 mayinclude a variety of other openings and/or features attached orotherwise secured to the composite material to facilitate holding,carrying, and/or use of the clipboard 300. Further, the handle 302and/or the clip 308 may be arranged such that the clipboard 300 can beused by right or left handed users.

It should be understood that the composite material of the presentapplication may be used to form variety of different shield devices,both user-carried and permanently fixed. For example, the compositematerial may be formed as a small tactical shield, large shield forcritical engagements, vehicle armor including doors, and structures bothpermanent and temporary. In each of these embodiments, the same basicarchitecture of the composite material may be used while the plan formis scaled accordingly.

The shield device of the present application may also be formed and/orconcealed in such a manner that the ballistic performance is unobtrusiveto others. As such, the shield device is more readily accessible to theuser thereby increasing its usefulness. For example, as described above,the shield device may be formed as a clipboard, integrated ticket pad,and/or notepad with the writing surface providing the ballisticprotection. As such, the clipboard is not readily distinguishable as aprotection aid and thus does not draw undue attention or speculation.

The shield device of the present application may include one or morehandles that permit the user to carry and/or wield the device. Theconfiguration of the handle, such as its size and shape, will varydepending on the specific use of the shield device. For example, smallershield devices may have no handles and may be entirely convex. Largershield devices may be formed with an integrated handle cutout and mayinclude edge trim around the cutout. Larger shield devices may alsoinclude a handle attached to the shield device to permit proper leveragewhen the user is wielding the larger device.

The shield device of the present application may include a variety ofdevices that may be used by an officer. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the ballistic clipboard 400 may include a stun or flash device410 attached or integrated into the back side of the clipboard toilluminate a suspect during routine violations and/or provide a stuneffect when necessary. The device 410 may be incendiary in nature or abright strobe. For example, the device 410 may release a pyrotechnicdevice that would direct a flash with or without an explosion directlyat the assailant. This could be a spray of incendiary material or ablast that would project directly toward the assailant. The device 410may be activated by the user (i.e., the person carrying the shielddevice) or by the impact of a bullet or strike of a projectile.Depending on the final use of the shield device, other devices may alsobe included.

The shield device of the present application is also constructed suchthat it will not shatter or fracture when subjected to blunt force, suchas, for example, when struck by someone's hand or with an object such asa rock, bat, bottle, etc. In this regard, the device may be used incrowd control or as a riot shield, restraint, or even as an offensiveweapon should the situation arise. Further, because the device does notshatter or fracture when subjected to a blunt force, the user of thedevice is protected from cuts and abrasions.

The performance of the composite material 200 described above was testedand met or exceeded the NIJ III-A ballistic protection standards. Theclipboard 300 comprising the composite material 200 was tested on arange configured to NIJ 0106.01 standards. 9 mm and 0.44 mag handgunswere fired multiple times at the clipboard 300 from a standardized 15foot distance. The testing was completed at 0 degrees F., 70 degrees F.,and 140 degrees F. The 9 mm cartridge was a 115 grain FMJ and thevelocity of the bullet was about 1350 fps. The 0.44 mag cartridge was a240 grain SWC and the velocity of the bullet was about 1400 fps. In allcases, the bullets impacted the clipboard 300, were slowed and “grabbed”by the composite material 200, and were not allowed to pass through ordeflect.

In addition to the requirements set forth by NIJ III-A, the compositematerial 200 described above was tested using .40 caliber and 0.357 maghandguns, as well as shotgun slugs. The guns were fired at the clipboard300 comprising the composite material 200 at distances from 6 inches to30 feet. The .40 caliber cartridge was a 180 grain S&W FMJ and thevelocity of the bullet was about 1155 fps. The 0.357 Magnum cartridgewas a 158 grain Jacketed Soft Point and the velocity of the bullet wasabout 1400 fps. In all cases, the bullets or slugs impacted theclipboard 300, were slowed and “grabbed” by the composite material 200,and were not allowed to pass through or deflect.

Further, the composite material 200 described above was tested at pointblank range using the above referenced 9 mm, 0.44 mag, .40 caliber, and0.357 mag handguns. The guns were fired at the clipboard 300 comprisingthe composite material 200 at a distance of 20 inches. The clipboard 300was fixed in three different ways. First, the clipboard 300 was fixed touprights on two sides such that it was held rigid as specified by NIJIII-A standards. Second, the handle 302 of the clipboard 300 was clampedto a fixed surface and the main body was unsupported such that theclipboard was cantilevered. Third, the clipboard 300 was suspended by awire such that it was permitted to swing and rotate freely. In allcases, the bullets impacted the clipboard 300, were slowed and “grabbed”by the composite material 200, and were not allowed to pass through ordeflect.

As described herein, when one or more components are described as beingconnected, joined, affixed, coupled, attached, or otherwiseinterconnected, such interconnection may be direct as between thecomponents or may be in direct such as through the use of one or moreintermediary components. Also as described herein, reference to a“member,” “component,” or “portion” shall not be limited to a singlestructural member, component, or element but can include an assembly ofcomponents, members or elements.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description ofembodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described inconsiderable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants torestrict or in any way limit the scope of the invention to such details.Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to thoseskilled in the art. For example, where components are releasably orremovably connected or attached together, any type of releasableconnection may be suitable including for example, locking connections,fastened connections, tongue and groove connections, etc. Still further,component geometries, shapes, and dimensions can be modified withoutchanging the overall role or function of the components. Therefore, theinventive concept, in its broader aspects, is not limited to thespecific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrativeexamples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made fromsuch details without departing from the spirit or scope of theapplicant's general inventive concept.

While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the inventionsmay be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination inthe exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and featuresmay be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or invarious combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expresslyexcluded herein all such combinations and sub-combinations are intendedto be within the scope of the present inventions. Still further, whilevarious alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts andfeatures of the inventions—such as alternative materials, structures,configurations, methods, devices and components, alternatives as toform, fit and function, and so on—may be described herein, suchdescriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list ofavailable alternative embodiments, whether presently known or laterdeveloped. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of theinventive aspects, concepts or features into additional embodiments anduses within the scope of the present inventions even if such embodimentsare not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though somefeatures, concepts or aspects of the inventions may be described hereinas being a preferred arrangement or method, such description is notintended to suggest that such feature is required or necessary unlessexpressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or representative valuesand ranges may be included to assist in understanding the presentdisclosure, however, such values and ranges are not to be construed in alimiting sense and are intended to be critical values or ranges only ifso expressly stated. Moreover, while various aspects, features andconcepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive orforming part of an invention, such identification is not intended to beexclusive, but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts andfeatures that are fully described herein without being expresslyidentified as such or as part of a specific invention, the inventionsinstead being set forth in the appended claims. Descriptions ofexemplary methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all stepsas being required in all cases, nor is the order that the steps arepresented to be construed as required or necessary unless expressly sostated.

We claim:
 1. A ballistic shield device, comprising: a composite materialhaving multiple layers of a fabric material laminated together with anadhesive disposed between each layer of the fabric material; a firstthermoplastic film laminated to a top surface of the composite material;and a second thermoplastic film laminated to a bottom surface of thecomposite material.
 2. The ballistic shield device of claim 1 furthercomprising an edge trim attached to the periphery of the compositematerial, wherein the edge trim extends between the top and bottomsurfaces of the composite material.
 3. The ballistic shield device ofclaim 1, wherein the thickness of the composite material is betweenabout ¼ inch and about ½ inch.
 4. The ballistic shield device of claim1, wherein the areal density of the composite material is between about1.1 psf and about 1.5 psf.
 5. The ballistic shield device of claim 1,wherein the fabric material comprises at least one of an aramid fabric,a fiberglass fabric, an innegra fabric, and a polystrand fabric.
 6. Theballistic shield device of claim 1, wherein the fabric material is awoven aramid fabric.
 7. The ballistic shield device of the claim 1,wherein two or more fibers of the fabric material are orientated atdifferent angles relative to a longitudinal axis of the fabric material.8. The ballistic shield device of claim 1, wherein the adhesive is apolyurethane based thermoplastic film disposed between each layer of thefabric material.
 9. The ballistic shield device of claim 8, wherein thedensity of the adhesive is between about 80 grams/m² and about 100grams/m².
 10. The ballistic shield device of claim 1, wherein the firstand second thermoplastic films comprise a layer of polypropylene lessthan 0.02 inch thick.
 11. The ballistic shield device of claim 1,wherein the first thermoplastic film comprises a layer of polypropyleneless than 0.01 inch thick.
 12. The ballistic shield device of claim 11,wherein the layer of polypropylene provides a substantially smoothwriting surface on the top surface of the composite material.
 13. Theballistic shield device of claim 1, wherein the composite materialcomprises alternating layers of a first fabric material and a secondfabric material, and wherein at least one of the type of material, fiberorientation, weave, weight, and density of the first fabric material isdifferent than the second fabric material.
 14. The ballistic shielddevice of claim 13, wherein the fibers of the first fabric material areorientated at either a first angle or a second angle relative to alongitudinal axis of the first fabric material, and wherein the fibersof the second fabric material are orientated at either a third angle ora fourth angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the second fabricmaterial, and wherein the first and second angles are different than thethird and fourth angles.
 15. The ballistic shield device of claim 14,wherein the first angle is about 0 degrees, the second angle is about 90degrees, the third angle is about 45 degrees, and the fourth angle isabout 135 degrees.
 16. A ballistic clipboard, comprising: a compositematerial comprising multiple layers of a fabric material laminatedtogether with an adhesive disposed between each layer of the fabricmaterial, wherein a first thermoplastic film is laminated to a topsurface of the composite material and a second thermoplastic film islaminated to a bottom surface of the composite material; an edge trimattached to the periphery of the composite material, wherein the edgetrim extends between the top and bottom surfaces of the compositematerial; and a clip attached to the top surface of the compositematerial.
 17. The ballistic clipboard of claim 16, wherein the compositematerial comprises an opening that forms a handle of the ballisticclipboard.
 18. The ballistic clipboard of claim 16, wherein the fabricmaterial is a woven aramid fabric, the adhesive is a polyurethane basedthermoplastic film having a density between about 80 grams/m² and about100 grams/m², and the first and second thermoplastic films comprise alayer of polypropylene less than 0.02 inch thick.
 19. The ballisticclipboard of claim 16, wherein the first thermoplastic film comprises alayer of polypropylene less than 0.01 inch thick that provides asubstantially smooth writing surface on the top surface of the compositematerial.
 20. The ballistic clipboard of claim 16, wherein the thicknessof the composite material is between about ¼ inch and about ½ inch andthe areal density of the composite material is between about 1.1 psf andabout 1.5 psf.
 21. The ballistic clipboard of claim 16, wherein thethickness of the composite material is about ⅜ inch and the arealdensity of the composite material is about 1.3 psf.
 22. The ballisticclipboard of claim 16, wherein the composite material comprises fifteenlayers of the fabric material.
 23. The ballistic clipboard of claim 16,wherein the ballistic clipboard weighs less than 2.0 lbs.
 24. Theballistic clipboard of claim 16, wherein uniform heat and temperatureare used to simultaneously bond the first thermoplastic film, the secondthermoplastic film, and the composite material together.
 25. Theballistic clipboard of claim 16, wherein temperatures between about 265degrees F. and about 300 degrees F. and pressures between about 100 psiand about 300 psi are used to laminate the first thermoplastic film, thesecond thermoplastic film, and the composite material together.
 26. Aballistic clipboard, comprising: a composite material comprising fifteenlayers of a woven aramid fabric material laminated together with apolyurethane based thermoplastic film disposed between each layer of thefabric material, wherein a first layer of polypropylene is laminated toa top surface of the composite material and a second layer ofpolypropylene is laminated to a bottom surface of the compositematerial; an edge trim attached to the periphery of the compositematerial, wherein the edge trim extends between the top and bottomsurfaces of the composite material; and a clip attached to the topsurface of the composite material.
 27. The ballistic clipboard of claim26, wherein the ballistic clipboard weighs less than 2.0 lbs.
 28. Theballistic clipboard of claim 27, wherein the ballistic clipboard meetsthe National Institute of Justice III-A ballistic protection standards.